Deuteronomy 5:18

KJV

Neither shalt thou commit adultery.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither shalt thou commit adultery {H5003}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Do not commit adultery.

Berean Standard Bible

You shall not commit adultery.

American Standard Version

Neither shalt thou commit adultery.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 5:18, the seventh commandment, unequivocally prohibits adultery, serving as a foundational pillar for the sanctity of marriage and the stability of the family unit within Israelite society. This divine injunction, reiterated by Moses to the new generation on the plains of Moab, underscores God's demand for covenant loyalty, purity, and faithfulness in human relationships, reflecting His own holy character and His design for intimate bonds. It stands as a timeless declaration against sexual infidelity, protecting the integrity of the marital covenant as a sacred reflection of God's relationship with His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 5 presents a solemn recapitulation of the Ten Commandments, originally delivered at Mount Horeb (Sinai), to a new generation of Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land. Moses, acting as God's mediator, re-establishes the covenant, emphasizing its enduring relevance and the blessings contingent upon obedience. The commandments are not merely legal statutes but foundational principles for a society consecrated to Yahweh. Positioned as the seventh in the Decalogue, "Neither shalt thou commit adultery" follows commands concerning God's unique identity, the sanctity of His name, the observance of the Sabbath, honoring parents, and the prohibitions against murder and theft. Its placement highlights the crucial role of marital fidelity in maintaining social order, personal integrity, and the purity of the community, serving as a vital link between the vertical commands (God-human) and the horizontal commands (human-human) that protect life, property, and reputation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were on the cusp of entering Canaan, a land inhabited by peoples whose religious and cultural practices often involved widespread sexual immorality, including cultic prostitution, polygamy, and casual infidelity. The command against adultery served as a stark contrast to these surrounding norms, calling Israel to a distinct standard of holiness and moral purity. Marriage in ancient Israel was a foundational institution, not merely a social contract but a covenant established and witnessed by God, crucial for lineage, property inheritance, and societal stability. Adultery was considered a grave offense, a violation of covenant, a betrayal of trust, and an attack on the family's honor and economic security. The severity of the punishment for adultery (often death, as seen in [Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Punishment for Adultery")) underscores the high value God placed on marital fidelity and the devastating impact of its violation on the individual, family, and community.
* **Key Themes:** This commandment contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it champions **Covenant Loyalty**, not only between spouses but as a reflection of Israel's faithfulness to God. Just as marital infidelity breaks a sacred bond, Israel's spiritual idolatry is often depicted as spiritual adultery against Yahweh (e.g., [Hosea 1:2](/hosea/1-2 "Hosea 1:2 - God's Covenant with Unfaithful Israel")). Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, calling God's people to reflect His character in all areas of life, including their most intimate relationships. Sexual purity is presented as integral to spiritual integrity and communal well-being, distinguishing Israel from the pagan nations. Thirdly, it underscores the **Sanctity of the Family Unit**, recognizing marriage as the bedrock of society and protecting it from destructive forces. The command safeguards the integrity of the home, the legitimacy of children, and the intergenerational transfer of covenant blessings, ensuring the stability and moral health of the nation as a whole, a theme consistently upheld throughout the law and prophetic literature, as seen in [Malachi 2:14-16](/malachi/2-14 "Malachi 2:14-16 - God Hates Divorce").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adultery (Hebrew, _na'aph'_):** The Hebrew verb נָאַף (na'aph) specifically denotes sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their spouse. It is a precise legal and moral term that distinguishes adultery from other forms of sexual immorality (e.g., fornication, prostitution, incest). The use of _na'aph_ emphasizes the violation of an existing marital covenant, highlighting the betrayal of trust and the breaking of sacred vows. It underscores that the command is not merely against illicit sexual activity in general, but specifically against the profound breach of fidelity within the divinely instituted bond of marriage. This term carries connotations of treachery and profound disrespect for the marital partner and God's design.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither shalt thou commit adultery":** This concise, apodictic (absolute, unconditional) negative command directly prohibits sexual relations outside the bounds of a lawful marriage. It is a comprehensive prohibition that applies to both married men and married women, as well as to those who engage in sexual acts with a married person. The command implicitly affirms the divine institution of marriage as a sacred, exclusive, and lifelong covenant between one man and one woman. By forbidding adultery, God protects the integrity of this foundational relationship, safeguarding the trust, intimacy, and commitment that are essential for its flourishing. It also implicitly protects the family unit, the legitimacy of children, and the societal order that relies on stable households. The negative formulation ("Neither shalt thou...") emphasizes the absolute nature of the prohibition, leaving no room for compromise or negotiation.

#### Literary Devices
The command "Neither shalt thou commit adultery" primarily employs **Apodictic Law**, which is a direct, unconditional command or prohibition, typically found in the Decalogue. Unlike casuistic law (which uses "if...then" formulations), apodictic law states an absolute principle, emphasizing its universal and timeless applicability. This command is also a **Negative Command**, expressed with "Neither shalt thou," which highlights the boundary God sets for His people's behavior. While negative in form, it implicitly affirms a positive value: the **Sanctity of Marriage** and the **Covenant Fidelity** it represents. The brevity and directness of the phrase contribute to its memorable and authoritative nature, making it a foundational moral principle. Furthermore, it functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** in broader biblical theology, where "adultery" often stands as a representative sin for all forms of sexual immorality and, metaphorically, for Israel's unfaithfulness to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The prohibition against adultery in Deuteronomy 5:18 is deeply rooted in God's character and His covenant with Israel. It reflects God's own faithfulness and His desire for purity and holiness in His people. Marriage, as a divine institution, is designed to be a reflection of God's steadfast love and covenant loyalty. Violating this sacred bond is not merely a social transgression but a sin against God Himself, a breach of trust that defiles the individual, the family, and the community. The command underscores the interconnectedness of personal morality with communal well-being and spiritual integrity, demonstrating that God's law extends to the most intimate aspects of human life, seeking to protect and preserve the sacredness of relationships.

* [Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "The Original Seventh Commandment")
* [Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Jesus on Lust and Adultery")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Marriage is Honorable")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 5:18 calls believers today to a profound commitment to purity, fidelity, and the sanctity of marriage, recognizing it as a divine institution. This command extends beyond mere physical acts to encompass the heart and mind, challenging us to cultivate inner purity and guard against lustful thoughts, as Jesus taught. It compels us to honor our marital vows with unwavering faithfulness, to respect the marital covenants of others, and to actively protect the integrity of our homes and families. In a world where sexual immorality is often normalized, this commandment serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging standards for human relationships, urging us to pursue holiness in all aspects of our lives and to seek God's grace to live in alignment with His perfect will, knowing that true freedom and flourishing are found in obedience to His loving commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the covenantal nature of marriage deepen your appreciation for the seriousness of the command against adultery?**
* **Beyond physical acts, in what ways might we "commit adultery" in our hearts or minds, and what steps can we take to guard against this?**
* **How can the church community better uphold and support the sanctity of marriage and family in light of this commandment?**

### FAQ

**Why is adultery considered such a severe sin in the Bible, often punishable by death in the Old Testament?**

Answer: Adultery is considered a severe sin because it strikes at the very heart of God's design for human relationships and societal order. Firstly, it is a profound violation of a sacred covenant—marriage—which is instituted by God and intended to be a lifelong, exclusive bond. This breach of covenant mirrors spiritual idolatry, where Israel's unfaithfulness to God is often depicted as spiritual adultery (e.g., [Jeremiah 3:8-9](/jeremiah/3-8 "Israel's Adultery and Divorce")). Secondly, it deeply harms individuals, breaking trust, causing immense emotional pain, and potentially destroying families. The command protects the legitimacy of children, the stability of the home, and the honor of the family name. Thirdly, it defiles the body, which, for believers, is considered a temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:18-19](/1_corinthians/6-18 "Flee Sexual Immorality")). The severe Old Testament penalties underscored the gravity of the offense and its destructive impact on the purity and stability of the entire community, serving as a deterrent and a clear statement of God's moral standards.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 5:18 prohibits the outward act of adultery, Jesus Christ, in His Sermon on the Mount, profoundly deepens and fulfills this commandment by extending its scope to the inner life. In [Matthew 5:28](/matthew/5-28 "Jesus' Teaching on Lust"), Jesus declares, "But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This teaching reveals that true obedience to God's law requires not just external conformity but an internal transformation of desires and intentions. Christ's fulfillment moves beyond legalistic adherence to the letter of the law, calling for a radical purity of heart and mind, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides forgiveness for past sins, including adultery and lust, and through His indwelling Spirit, He empowers believers to live lives of genuine purity and faithfulness, honoring the sanctity of marriage and all relationships as reflections of the new covenant established in His blood, where believers are called to be faithful to Him as His Bride ([Ephesians 5:25-32](/ephesians/5-25 "Christ and the Church as Bride and Groom")). Thus, the prohibition against adultery finds its ultimate meaning and power in Christ, who enables us to pursue holiness from the inside out, aligning our hearts with God's perfect design for love and fidelity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 20:14

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Luke 18:20

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

Leviticus 20:10

¶ And the man that committeth adultery with [another] man's wife, [even he] that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

Matthew 5:27

¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

Matthew 5:28

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

Proverbs 6:32

[But] whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he [that] doeth it destroyeth his own soul.

Proverbs 6:33

A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.